Rimini, 15 December 2023 – Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) was awarded the "Eccellenza Italiana" (Italian Excellence) prize at the 2023 China Awards, held at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan. The prestigious event, now in its 18th edition, was organized by the ICCF-Italy China Council Foundation, one of the leading European organizations dedicated to promoting trade relations between Italy and China. The awards recognize Italian businesses that have stood out in the Chinese market, as well as Chinese companies that have invested in Italy. The awards were divided into six categories, recognizing both Italian and Chinese companies, from multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises: Capital Elite, Creators of Value, Italian Excellence, Top Investors in China, Top Investors in Italy, and the Silk Road. IEG’s "Eccellenza Italiana" award was given in recognition of its significant internationalization strategy in the Chinese market, notably through the development of SIGEP China. This international fair, dedicated to the gelato, pastry, bakery, and coffee industries, was launched in 2023 in Shenzhen, thanks to a partnership between IEG and Koelnmesse. SIGEP China has become a successful investment initiative, helping to export Italian products such as gelato and its culture, while paving the way for Italian businesses to build relationships and expand in the Chinese food service industry. The jury for the China Awards was composed of prominent figures from international institutions and business media, including Mario Boselli, President of the Italy China Council Foundation; Paolo Panerai, Vice-President and CEO of Class Editori; Massimo Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to the People’s Republic of China; Yao Lujie, CCPIT Representative in Italy; Pierluigi Streparava, Vice-President of the Italy China Council Foundation; Francesco Wu, Honorary President of UNIIC and Advisor to Confcommercio Milan Monza Brianza Lodi; Roberto Sommella, Director of Milano Finanza; and Marco Barlassina, Director of Capital and Patrimoni. The next edition of SIGEP China will take place from April 24-26, 2024, at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre (Futian), in parallel with Anuga Select China, the food trade fair organized by Koelnmesse. |